Uzbekistan Surges Gas Imports Amid Declining Domestic Output

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In January–February 2026, Uzbekistan sharply increased its imports of natural gas amid a continued decline in domestic production.

According to the National Statistics Committee, gas purchases from abroad rose 4.1 times, reaching US$202.2 million, while exports remained minimal at US$7.1 million. Domestic gas output fell by 6.7%, from 7.4 billion cubic meters in the same period last year to 6.9 billion cubic meters.

Russia and Turkmenistan remain the primary suppliers of gas to Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, the country’s exports have remained at a minimal level, with most shipments previously destined for China under the Central Asia–China pipeline contracts now significantly reduced due to the prioritization of domestic demand.

The import-to-export ratio has reached 28.5 to 1, highlighting the growing imbalance in the domestic gas market. Just a few years ago, Uzbekistan was a significant gas exporter, particularly to China, but rising internal consumption combined with falling production has shifted the country’s position in the regional energy market.